RESIDENTS in the Malvern Hills district are being encouraged to have their say on proposed changes to polling stations in their area.

Malvern Hills District Council is carrying out a review of polling districts and places to ensure reasonable facilities are being provided for voting and that polling stations are accessible to all electors.

The proposals will see no change to most polling districts, however, such areas as Alfrick and Leigh, Kempsey, Link, Pickersleigh and Upton and Hanley may be affected.

The deadline for comments is Friday, September 20, and the council welcomes responses from all residents, particularly residents living with a disability or any person with expertise in disability access.

The responses will be considered by the acting returning officer for the parliamentary constituency of West Worcestershire and the final proposals will be submitted to the council's executive committee in October 2019.

Any agreed changes will take effect from December 2019, in time for the next scheduled elections on May 2 next year.

Laura Noonan, the council's electoral services manager, said: “This review is essential in order to ensure every person in the district has the opportunity to exercise their right to vote. We encourage everyone to take the time to have their say so we can make changes where they are needed.”